$291,000 Grant to Keokuk, Iowa, for Sewer Project

EPA Region 7 has awarded $291,000 to the City of Keokuk, Iowa, for improvements to its sewer system. The project is expected to be completed by the fall of 2014.

EPA Region 7 Administrator Karl Brooks said, “The grant will improve aging water infrastructure and spearhead new projects that will reduce sewer overflows and improve water quality. These water infrastructure funds will help fund a construction project which is estimated to cost $5.4 million.”

The purpose of the project is to construct new sanitary and storm sewer system, which will eliminate four sewer overflows. The new sewer will provide adequate capacity for both current and anticipated future flows.

Keokuk is one of 10 Iowa cities that have combined sewer systems. These systems typically use one pipe that combines sanitary sewer and storm sewer to the wastewater treatment plants during normal rainfall. However, during rainfall, this system sometimes overflows into nearby streams.

A long-term strategy has been developed to eliminate six combined sewer overflows in Keokuk that drain either into the Mississippi River or Soap Creek.

EPA oversees the protection of water quality and public health. The Agency is working with community leaders and the public to meet the growing needs and demands of limited water resources. EPA remains committed to developing innovative and sustainable solutions for managing and financing infrastructure with public and private partners.